Base System

ABSTRACT

A base system configured for use in an exercise or physical therapy by a user as a base, the base system includes a first segment and a second segment. Each of the first and second segments includes a portion of cylinder having a surface perpendicular to its central axis and a surface at an incline to its central axis. In forming a base, the first and second segments are arranged such that the second segment is rotatably disposed atop the first segment, where the angle of rotation of the second segment with respect to the first segment causes the resulting base to assume a certain incline.

PRIORITY CLAIM AND RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional application claims the benefit of priority fromprovisional application U.S. Ser. No. 61/810,527 filed on Apr. 10, 2013.Said application is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed generally to a base system for use inbody conditioning. More specifically, the present invention is directedto a base system for use in exercise or physical rehabilitation, thesystem including a plurality of separable components, each may be usedseparately or in combination with another.

2. Background Art

Functional training, core fitness, and physical rehabilitation practicesrequire repeatable consistent and variable movement patterns throughsingle and multiple, vertical and horizontal planes and axes. Userdefined adjustability of equipment is essential for safety and tomaximize physical conditioning. Conventional conditioning equipmenttypically limits user adjustability and/or motion to a predeterminedsingle plane or axis, e.g., flat, inclined, declined, vertical orhorizontal rotation, etc. Existing powered, non-powered and self-poweredequipment substantially limits adjustability and/or range of motion inways which do not allow user to substantially dynamically modify theirpredetermined horizontal and vertical planes, axes, or paths on-the-flywhile performing movement or exercise. Some powered equipment, e.g.,treadmills, stair climbers, ab coasters, etc., allow a limited degree ofon-the-fly modification of elevation, e.g., in horizontal plane andvertical axis, etc. However these units are limited to lower bodymovements, e.g., walking, stepping, striding, jogging, running,crunches, etc.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,994 to Hartz (hereinafter Hartz) discloses a tiltingrotational recreational device which has a platform on which the userstands, where the platform is freely rotatable upon a bearing. The angleof the platform with respect to the horizontal may be adjusted so that auser standing or sitting on the platform may induce rotational movementof the platform easily by shifting his or her center of mass. Hartz'scylindrical column sections (24 and 26 of Hartz) are held together in anaxially aligned relationship by bolt (40 of Hartz) secured by wingnut(42 of Hartz). As Hartz's bolt (40 of Hartz) is centrally disposed withrespect to the cylindrical column sections (24 and 26 of Hartz), it isincapable of providing a receptacle for receiving an exercise ball.Although Hartz's platform (30 of Hartz) is capable of rotation about atilted axis of rotation, the surface upon which a user steps, moves orrotates in the same plane and incapable of providing a surface thatmoves in multiple planes while the platform (30 of Hartz) rotates abouta tilted axis of rotation.

Thus, there is a need for an exercise base system having a support thatcan be disposed in a large number of planes while in use, the degree ofincline can be altered with ease, one that is sufficiently sturdy tosupport a user performing an exercise routine and one that issufficiently light and collapsible such that it is portable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a basesystem including:

-   (a) a first segment having a central axis, a base disposed in a    first flat plane on a lower portion of the first segment and an    interface ring disposed in a second flat plane on an upper portion    of the first segment, wherein the first flat plane is disposed at a    first angle to the central axis of the first segment and the second    flat plane is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the    first segment; and-   (b) a second segment having a central axis, a lower interface ring    disposed in a third flat plane on a lower portion of the second    segment and an upper surface disposed in a fourth flat plane on an    upper portion of the second segment, wherein the third flat plane is    substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the second    segment and the fourth flat plane is disposed at a second angle to    the central axis of the second segment,    wherein the lower interface ring of the second segment is rotatably    coupleable with the interface ring of the first segment such that    the upper surface is disposed at an angle from about 0 degrees to a    third angle that is greater than 0 degrees to the first flat plane.

In one embodiment, the first segment further includes a receptacleadapted to receive a spherical object and the receptacle is disposedwithin the first segment.

In one embodiment, the upper surface includes a receptacle adapted toreceive a spherical object. In another embodiment, the upper surfaceincludes a flat surface.

In one embodiment, the first angle ranges from about 90 degrees to about67.5 degrees.

In on embodiment, the second angle ranges from about 90 degrees to about67.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the third angle ranges from about 0degree to about 45 degrees.

Suitable materials for the first segment and/or the second segmentinclude, but not limited to, plastic, metal and fiber reinforcedmaterials.

In one embodiment, the upper surface includes a non-slip surface toprovide sufficient grip to a user. In one embodiment, the base includesa non-slip surface to prevent accidental movement of the base system.

Examples of the lower interface ring of the second segment and theinterface ring of the first segment and the lower and upper interfacerings of the saucer include, but not limited to, thrust bearing, ballbearing, acetal, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone, plastic,lubricant, application of paint, application of dry film, etc.

In one embodiment, the present base system further includes a firstindicator disposed on the first segment and a second indicator disposedon the second segment, wherein the second indicator is configured to bematched with the first indicator to indicate that the first segment isdisposed at a pre-determined orientation with respect to the secondsegment.

In one embodiment, the first segment further includes a plurality ofwheels disposed upon said base of said first segment to facilitatetransporting of the base system and mobility of the base system whencombined with an exercise ball, e.g., to be used as a seat andinstruments for some exercises.

An object of the present base system is to provide a mechanism where theincline of the top surface of the base system is changeable simply byrotating the second segment with respect to the first segment, where thesecond segment is disposed atop the first segment.

Another object of the present base system is to provide a mechanism forenhancing functional training, core fitness, physical rehabilitation,and/or wellness practices. The mechanism is capable of providing notonly a platform whose slope is changeable but also, a sloped platformcapable of rotating about a tilted axis.

Another object of the present base system is to provide yet anotherrotatable part (e.g., saucer) in addition to the sloped platform of thesecond segment.

Another object of the present base system is to provide a universe ofmodular components which may be utilized separately and/or individuallyas stand-alone products, or combined with other components in the systemto create static or dynamic multi-plane and axes movements andexercises.

Another object of the present system is to provide a compact,lightweight, modular base system offering users unprecedentedflexibility, mobility, and functionality.

Whereas there may be many embodiments of the present invention, eachembodiment may meet one or more of the foregoing recited objects in anycombination. It is not intended that each embodiment will necessarilymeet each objective. Thus, having broadly outlined the more importantfeatures of the present invention in order that the detailed descriptionthereof may be better understood, and that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated, there are, of course, additionalfeatures of the present invention that will be described herein and willform a part of the subject matter of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantagesand objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular descriptionof the invention briefly described above will be rendered by referenceto specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appendeddrawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered tobe limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explainedwith additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present basesystem, depicting a saucer disposed on a second segment with a flatsurface of the saucer facing upwardly and the present base system havinga substantially level configuration.

FIG. 2 is top perspective view of one embodiment of the present basesystem, depicting a saucer disposed on a second segment with a flatsurface of the saucer facing upwardly and the present base systemdisposed in a configuration yielding a saucer that is disposed with themaximum incline.

FIG. 3 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system shown inFIG. 1, with the exception that the saucer is now disposed with a convexsurface facing upwardly.

FIG. 4 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system shown inFIG. 2, with the exception that the saucer is now disposed with a convexsurface facing upwardly.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective exploded view of one embodiment of thepresent base system, depicting a saucer disposed with a flat surface ofthe saucer facing upwardly.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective exploded view of one embodiment of thepresent base system, depicting a saucer disposed with a convex surfaceof the saucer facing upwardly.

FIG. 7 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of the present basesystem, depicting the first segment being coupled with the secondsegment to form a platform that is substantially level.

FIG. 8 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of the base system ofFIG. 7 taken along line A-A, depicting the interior construction detailsand interface rings of the first, and second segments and the saucer.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment ofthe present base system, depicting the interior construction details andinterface rings of the first and second segments and the saucer.

FIG. 10 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of the present basesystem, depicting the first segment being coupled with the secondsegment to form a base system that is disposed in a configurationyielding a saucer that is disposed with the maximum incline.

FIG. 11 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of the base system ofFIG. 10 taken along line B-B, depicting the interior constructiondetails of the first and second segments and the saucer.

FIG. 12 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system shownin FIG. 7, with the exception that the saucer is now disposed with aconvex surface facing upwardly.

FIG. 13 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system shownin FIG. 8, with the exception that the saucer is now disposed with aconvex surface facing upwardly.

FIG. 14 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system shownin FIG. 10, with the exception that the saucer is now disposed with aconvex surface facing upwardly.

FIG. 15 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system shownin FIG. 11, with the exception that the saucer is now disposed with aconvex surface facing upwardly.

FIG. 16 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of the present basesystem, depicting the angles each of the first and second segments makeswith the base of the first segment.

FIG. 17 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of the present basesystem, depicting the second segment being disposed such that a planethat represents high side-to-low side of the second segment is disposedsubstantially perpendicularly to another plane that represents highside-to-low side of the first segment.

FIG. 18 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of the base system ofFIG. 17 taken along line E-E, depicting the interior constructiondetails and interface rings of the first and second segments and thesaucer.

FIG. 19 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of another embodimentof the present base system, depicting a saucer that includes twosubstantially flat surfaces.

FIG. 20 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of one embodiment ofthe present base system where an exercise ball is disposed withinopenings of the first and second segments and supported by a receptacledisposed within the second segment.

FIG. 21 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of one embodiment ofthe present base system where an exercise ball is disposed within anopening of the first segment and supported by a receptacle disposedwithin the first segment.

FIG. 22 is a chart depicting various examples of exercises and otherdaily activities in which a user may utilize the present base system.

FIG. 23 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of yet another usageof the present base system.

FIG. 24 is a side orthogonal view of another embodiment of yet anotherusage of the present base system.

FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the presentbase system where the upper surface of the second segment is integrallyconstructed.

FIG. 26 illustrates examples of means by which the shapes of the presentsegments may be formed.

PARTS LIST

-   2—exercise base system-   4—first segment-   6—second segment-   8—saucer-   10—interface ring of first segment-   12—lower interface ring of second segment-   14—upper interface ring of second segment-   16—lower interface ring of circular flange of saucer-   18—upper interface ring of circular flange of saucer-   20—receptacle-   22—convex surface of saucer-   24—circular flange-   26—angle saucer makes with respect to base of base system-   28—flat surface of saucer-   30—angle second plane makes with respect to base of base system-   32—angle fourth plane makes with respect to third plane-   34—base-   36—first flat plane-   38—second flat plane-   40—third flat plane-   42—fourth flat plane-   44—ball-   46—wheel-   48—user-   50—elastic band-   52—scalloped portion of first segment-   54—marker-   56—central axis of first segment-   58—central axis of second segment-   60—cylinder-   62—first cut-   64—second cut-   66—top piece-   68—bottom piece-   70—central axis of cylinder-   72—arm rest-   74—back support

PARTICULAR ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The present base system provides a user the ability to alter the inclineof a base system expediently, by adjusting the orientation of a secondsegment with respect to a first segment upon which the second segment isdisposed.

The present base system provides a sloped platform rotatable about atilted axis where the sloped platform is capable of rotation while inuse.

The present base system provides yet another rotatable part (e.g.,saucer) disposed on the upper portion of the second segment which isalready capable of rotation while coupled to the first segment. Whencoupled directly with the first segment, the saucer is also capable ofrotation with the first segment.

The present base system provides a user the ability to alter the inclineof a platform from an angle of about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees withrespect to the base of the first segment.

The present base system provides a stable base for securing an exerciseball using a receptacle disposed within one or more components of thepresent base system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The term “about” is used herein to mean approximately, roughly, around,or in the region of. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with anumerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundariesabove and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term“about” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below thestated value by a variance of 20 percent up or down (higher or lower).

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present basesystem 2, depicting a saucer 8 disposed on a second segment 6 with aflat surface of the saucer 8 facing upwardly and the present base system2 having a substantially level configuration. FIG. 2 is top perspectiveview of one embodiment of the present base system 2, depicting a saucer8 disposed on a second segment 6 with a flat surface of the saucer 8facing upwardly and the present base system 2 disposed in aconfiguration yielding a saucer that is disposed with maximum incline.FIG. 3 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system 2 shownin FIG. 1, with the exception that the saucer 8 is now disposed with aconvex surface 22 facing upwardly. FIG. 4 is essentially the embodimentof the present base system 2 shown in FIG. 2, with the exception thatthe saucer 8 is now disposed with a convex surface 22 facing upwardly.FIG. 5 is a top perspective exploded view of one embodiment of thepresent base system 2, depicting a saucer 8 disposed with a flat surfaceof the saucer facing upwardly. FIG. 6 is a top perspective exploded viewof one embodiment of the present base system 2, depicting a saucer 8disposed with a convex surface 22 of the saucer 8 facing upwardly.Referring back to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, there is further providedat least one first indicator 54 disposed on the first segment and atleast one second indicator 54 disposed on the second segment. As anexample, a marker 54 is placed on the low side of the first segment. Asimilar indicator 54 is also placed on the low side of the secondsegment. As the two indicators wherein said at least one secondindicator is configured to be matched with said at least one firstindicator to indicate that said first segment is disposed at apre-determined orientation with respect to said second segment.

Disclosed herein is a base system including a first segment 4 and secondsegment 6 and a saucer 8. In order to facilitate discussions of thefirst and second segments 4, 6, the plane at which a segment interfaceswith another segment is used to represent, not only the plane where thetwo segments come in contact with each other, but also the surface ofthe segment associated with that plane.

The first segment 4 includes a central axis 56, a base 34 disposed in afirst flat plane 36 (see FIG. 16) on a lower portion of the firstsegment 4 and an interface ring 10 disposed in a second flat plane 38(see FIG. 16) on an upper portion of the first segment 4. The first flatplane 36 is disposed at a first angle to the central axis 56 of thefirst segment 4 and the second flat plane 38 is substantiallyperpendicular to the central axis 56 of the first segment 4.

The second segment 6 includes a central axis 58, a lower interface ring12 disposed in a third flat plane 40 (see FIG. 16) on a lower portion ofthe second segment 6 and an upper interface ring 14 disposed in a fourthflat plane 42 (see FIG. 16) on an upper portion of the second segment 6.The fourth flat plane 42 is disposed at a fourth angle to the centralaxis 58 of the second segment 6. The third flat plane 40 issubstantially perpendicular to the central axis 58 of the second segment6. The lower interface ring 12 of the second segment 6 is removably androtatably coupleable with the interface ring 10 of the first segment 4such that the fourth flat plane 42 is disposed at an angle from about 0degrees to an angle that is greater than 0 degrees to the first flatplane 36. In use, the second segment 6 is coupled at its lower interfacering to the upper interface ring of the first segment 4. The orientationof the second segment 6 about its central axis determines the resultingincline of the present base system 2. The present base system 2 istherefore capable of providing a base that is level with an object,e.g., floor, upon which it is disposed and a base that is not level withthe object upon which it is disposed. The need for multiple and separateplatforms of various inclines is therefore rendered unnecessary by thepresent base system.

The present base system 2 may be used with or without relative rotationbetween the second and first segments 6, 4 while in use. With rotation,the base system may be used for exercise routines which are morechallenging, often requiring higher strength to be expended by its userand higher balancing acts performed by its user, etc. In one embodiment,the interface rings are simply extensions of materials used to constructthe segments, i.e., the materials used in constructing the segments arethe same materials used in constructing the interface rings, i.e.,plastics, acetal, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc. In anotherembodiment, the interface rings are formed separately from the materialsused in constructing the segments. In embodiments where mating interfacerings are made of materials having high coefficient of friction, thesecond segment 6 is incapable of rotation relative to the first segment.In cases where rotation of the second segment with respect to the firstsegment is allowed, a number of friction reduction devices, e.g., thrustbearing, ball bearing, acetal, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), andsilicone, plastic, lubricant, application of paint, and application ofdry film, etc., may be utilized.

The saucer 8 includes a plate having a first flat surface 28 and asecond surface, a circular flange 24 having an upper interface ring 14disposed on an upper portion of the flange 24 and a lower interface ring16 disposed on a lower portion of the flange 24. The plate is disposedwithin the circular flange 24 and the saucer 8 is configured such thatany one of the upper interface ring 18 of the saucer 8 and the lowerinterface ring 16 of the saucer 8 is capable of being removably androtatably coupled to the interface ring 10 of the first segment 4 andany one of the upper interface ring 18 of the saucer 8 and the lowerinterface ring 16 of the saucer 8 is capable of being removably androtatably coupled to the upper interface ring 18 of the second segment6. In one embodiment, the second surface is a flat surface as shown inFIG. 19. In another embodiment, the second surface is a convex surface22 as shown in FIG. 6. Suitable materials for forming the convex surface22 include, but not limited to foam, rubber, silicone, plastic and anycombinations thereof. In a multi-material saucer 8, a hard material,e.g., plastic, is used to provide structural strength required tosupport a user while a soft material, e.g., foam, rubber and silicone,provide sufficient cushioning for user comfort.

The upper and lower surfaces of the first or second segment arepreferably disposed in a non-parallel fashion. If the upper and lowersurfaces of a segment are parallel, the first or second angle would beabout 90 degrees. Each of the first or second angles preferably rangesfrom about 85 degrees to about 45 degrees. More preferably, forexercises performed on a present base system disposed on a level floor,each of the first and second angles ranges from about 85 degrees toabout 67.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the first segment furtherincludes a receptacle 20 useful for receiving a spherical object, e.g.,exercise ball, as will be demonstrated elsewhere herein and thereceptacle is disposed within the first segment 4.

In one embodiment, the second segment further includes a receptacleuseful for receiving a spherical object, e.g., exercise ball, as willalso be demonstrated elsewhere herein and the receptacle is disposedwithin the second segment 6.

FIG. 7 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of the present basesystem 2, depicting the first segment 4 being coupled with the secondsegment 6 to form a platform that is substantially level. FIG. 8 is aside orthogonal cross-sectional view of the base system of FIG. 7 takenalong line A-A, depicting the interior construction details andinterface rings of the first and second segments and the saucer. Itshall be noted that, in this orientation, the high side of the secondsegment 6 is disposed atop the low side of the first segment 4. It shallalso be noted that the flat surface 28 of the saucer 8 is disposedsubstantially parallelly with the base 34. Therefore, if disposed on aflat level surface, the present base system 2 provides a substantiallylevel surface for exercise. The outer surfaces of the segments may beformed into any shapes, e.g., cylindrical as in the present embodiment,rectangular, conical, etc., provided that the interface rings aredisposed in a circular fashion to enable relative rotations of thesegments 4, 6.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment ofthe present base system, depicting the interior construction details andinterface rings of the first and second segments 4, 6 and the saucer 8.Note the receptacles 20, one disposed within the first segment 4 andanother within the second segment 6, are configured in the shape of aninverted dome for receiving spherical objects as will be disclosedelsewhere herein.

FIG. 10 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of the present basesystem 2, depicting the first segment 4 being coupled with the secondsegment 6 to form a base system that is disposed in a configurationyielding a saucer 8 that is disposed in the maximum incline. FIG. 11 isa side orthogonal cross-sectional view of the base system of FIG. 10taken along line B-B, depicting the interior construction details of thefirst and second segments 4, 6 and the saucer 8. It shall be noted thatthe second segment 6 is disposed atop the first segment 4 such that thehigh side of the first segment coincides with the high side of thesecond segment 6.

FIG. 12 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system shownin FIG. 7, with the exception that the saucer 8 is now disposed with aconvex surface 22 facing upwardly. FIG. 13 is essentially the embodimentof the present base system shown in FIG. 8, with the exception that thesaucer 8 is now disposed with a convex surface 22 facing upwardly. FIG.14 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system shown inFIG. 10, with the exception that the saucer 8 is now disposed with aconvex surface 22 facing upwardly. FIG. 15 is essentially the embodimentof the present base system shown in FIG. 11, with the exception that thesaucer is now disposed with a convex surface 22 facing upwardly. Notethat when the convex surface 22 is disposed upwardly, it protrudes fromthe fourth plane, providing sufficient cushioning to a user to lessenimpacts experienced by the user and making the base system 2 morecomfortable to use.

FIG. 16 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of the present basesystem 2, depicting the angles 30, 32 the first and second segments makewith the base of the first segment 4. The angle the upper surface (notconsidering the convex surface of the saucer 8) of second segment 6makes with the base 34 amounts to an aggregate (or part 26) of the anglethe upper surface of the second segment 6 makes with the base of thesecond segment 6 and the angle the upper surface of the first segment 4makes with the base of the first segment 4. Referring back to FIG. 15,in one embodiment, angle 26 ranges from about 0 degree to about 45degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, angle 26 ranges from about 5degrees to about 25 degrees.

FIG. 17 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of the present basesystem 2, depicting the second segment 6 being disposed such that aplane that represents high side-to-low side of the second segment 6 isdisposed substantially perpendicularly to another plane that representshigh side-to-low side of the first segment 4. FIG. 18 is a sideorthogonal cross-sectional view of the base system of FIG. 17 takenalong line E-E, depicting the interior construction details andinterface rings of the first and second segments 4, 6 and the saucer 8.Note that in this configuration, there exists an incline of the uppersurface of the second segment 6 that is disposed between the minimumincline, i.e., 0 degree, and the maximum incline when the high side ofthe second segment 6 is disposed atop the high side of the first segment4.

FIG. 19 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of another embodimentof the present base system 2, depicting a saucer 8 that includes twosubstantially flat surfaces. It shall be noted that in certain exerciseroutines, a convex upper surface is unnecessary.

FIG. 20 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of one embodiment ofthe present base system 2 where an exercise ball 44 is disposed withinopenings of the first and second segments 4, 6 and supported by areceptacle 20 disposed within the second segment. In this case, thesecond segment 6 is said to include a receptacle 20 that is disposed onthe fourth flat plane 42. FIG. 21 is a side orthogonal cross-sectionalview of one embodiment of the present base system where an exercise ball44 is disposed within an opening of the first segment 4 and supported bya receptacle disposed within the first segment 4. Disposing an exerciseball 44 in a receptacle 20 immobilizes and stabilizes the ball 44 foruse in an exercise routine where a user may engage it in a variety ofways.

FIG. 22 is a chart depicting various examples of exercises and otherdaily activities in which a user 48 may utilize the present base system2. Starting from the upper left corner, the diagram depicts a presentbase system being used for seating without wheels. The second segment 6may be fixed or allowed to rotate. This activates core region, andincreases blood flow. Moving on to the upper right corner, the diagramdepicts a crunch or leg raise performed at maximum incline with theconvex surface 22 facing upwardly. Moving on to the middle left diagram,a rear leg kick is performed by a user 48 while resting on a firstsegment with the elbows contacting the high side of the first segment 4and the knees contacting the low side of the first segment 4. In themiddle right diagram, a user 48 is shown to perform a rear leg kick withthe elbows resting on a saucer 8 with a convex surface 22 facingupwardly. In the lower left diagram, a warrior yoga pose is performedwith one leg elevated to maximum incline with a convex surface 22 facingupwardly. In the lower right diagram, a user 48 is shown performing astanding leg kick/knee raise using an attachable elastic resistance bandat 0 degree incline with flat surface facing upwardly. It shall benoted, in this embodiment, the first segment 4 includes a scalloped edge52 configured to accommodate bands 50 such that they can be tucked innicely and secured in place under the combined weight of both the userand the base system 2. Other examples configured for use with thescalloped edge 52 includes a rebounder netting, golf net, game surfacesand backboards, metal base of a handle bar support, etc.

FIG. 23 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of yet another usageof the present base system 2. In this example, wheels 46, e.g., casterwheels, are removably attached to the base of the first segment andconfigured to make the present base system 2 mobile. An exercise ball 44is disposed within and supported by the receptacle of the second segment6 to form a seat. FIG. 24 is a side orthogonal view of anotherembodiment of yet another usage of the present base system. In thisexample, wheels 46 are removably attached to the base of the secondsegment 6 to form a seat. Such attachments make the present base systema multi-use device capable of providing a platform for exercise whileeasily converted to a seating structure for daily use.

Although the devices shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 are suitable for use as aseat without further support features, the Applicant discovered thatfurther attachments such as arm rests 72 and a back support 74 can beremovably attached to either a first or second segment 4, 6 to provideadditional support to a user that is seated on the ball 44.

FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the presentbase system 2 where an upper surface of the second segment 6 isintegrally built into the second segment 6. In this embodiment, anadditional piece of material is not required to fill the upper surfaceof the second segment 16.

In an effort to further clarify the shapes of the present segments, thefollowing examples are provided. FIG. 26 illustrates examples of themeans by which the shapes of the present segments may be formed. Acylinder 60 held upright is provided. In producing a first segment, afirst cut 62 is made in a plane that is non-perpendicular to the centralaxis 70 of the uncut cylinder 60 to produce a top piece 66 and a bottompiece 64. For ease of discussions, the central axis of each of the toppiece and the bottom pieces 66, 64 is said to be unchanged from theoriginal central axis of the uncut cylinder. Note that the top surfaceof the top piece 66 remains perpendicular to the central axis of the toppiece 66 and the bottom surface of the top piece 66 now assumes asurface that is disposed non-perpendicularly to the central axis of thetop piece. The top piece 66 can be thought of as the first segment andthe bottom surface can be thought of as the base of the first segment.Note that the bottom surface of the bottom piece 68 remainsperpendicular to the central axis of the bottom piece and the topsurface of the bottom piece 68 now assumes a surface that is disposednon-perpendicularly to the central axis of the bottom piece 68. It isconceivable to make a second cut 64 to each of top and bottom pieces toresult in pieces both whose top and bottom surfaces are disposed atangles that are non-perpendicular to the central axis 70.

A component of the present base system may be manufactured in a varietyof materials and compounds, and through a variety of production andfabrication processes.

Materials include and are not limited to virgin and recycled semi-rigidand rigid plastic, foam, and glass, metal, wood, fiber-reinforcedmaterials. Processes include and are not limited tothermo/vacuum/pressure forming, blow molding, rotational molding,various forms of injection molding, compression molding, openpour/gravity molding, extruding, laminating, multi-axis and roboticComputer Numerical Control (CNC) machining and routing, stamping, lasercutting, bending, welding, riveting, dying and sewing, etc.

The detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show,by way of illustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which thepresent disclosed embodiments may be practiced. These embodiments aredescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice aspects of the present invention. Other embodiments may beutilized, and changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe disclosed embodiments. The various embodiments can be combined withone or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims,with the full scope of equivalents to which they may be entitled. Itwill be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that anyarrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may besubstituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application isintended to cover any adaptations or variations of embodiments of thepresent invention. It is to be understood that the above description isintended to be illustrative, and not restrictive, and that thephraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and not of limitation. Combinations of the above embodimentsand other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art uponstudying the above description. The scope of the present disclosedembodiments includes any other applications in which embodiments of theabove structures and fabrication methods are used. The scope of theembodiments should be determined with reference to the appended claims,along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims areentitled.

What is claimed herein is:
 1. A base system comprising: (a) a firstsegment having a central axis, a base disposed in a first flat plane ona lower portion of said first segment and an interface ring disposed ina second flat plane on an upper portion of said first segment, whereinsaid first flat plane is disposed at a first angle to said central axisof said first segment and said second flat plane is substantiallyperpendicular to said central axis of said first segment; and (b) asecond segment having a central axis, a lower interface ring disposed ina third flat plane on a lower portion of said second segment and anupper surface disposed in a fourth flat plane on an upper portion ofsaid second segment, wherein said third flat plane is substantiallyperpendicular to said central axis of said second segment and saidfourth flat plane is disposed at a second angle to said central axis ofsaid second segment, wherein said lower interface ring of said secondsegment is removably and rotatably coupleable with said interface ringof said first segment such that said upper surface is disposed at anangle from about 0 degrees to a third angle that is greater than 0degrees to said first flat plane.
 2. The base system of claim 1, whereinsaid first segment further comprises a receptacle adapted to receive aspherical object and said receptacle is disposed within said firstsegment.
 3. The base system of claim 1, wherein said upper surfacecomprises a receptacle adapted to receive a spherical object.
 4. Thebase system of claim 1, wherein said first angle ranges from about 85degrees to about 67.5 degrees.
 5. The base system of claim 1, whereinsaid second angle ranges from about 85 degrees to about 67.5 degrees. 6.The base system of claim 1, wherein said third angle ranges from about 0degree to about 45 degrees.
 7. The base system of claim 1, wherein anyone of said lower interface ring of said second segment and saidinterface ring of said first segment is constructed from a materialselected from the group consisting of thrust bearing, ball bearing,acetal, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone, plastic, lubricant,application of paint, and application of dry film lubricant.
 8. The basesystem of claim 1, further comprising at least one first indicatordisposed on said first segment and at least one second indicatordisposed on said second segment, wherein said at least one secondindicator is configured to be matched with said at least one firstindicator to indicate that said first segment is disposed at apre-determined orientation with respect to said second segment.
 9. Thebase system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first segment andsaid second segment further comprises a plurality of wheels.
 10. A basesystem comprising: (a) a first segment having a central axis, a basedisposed in a first flat plane on a lower portion of said first segmentand an interface ring disposed in a second flat plane on an upperportion of said first segment, wherein said first flat plane is disposedat a first angle to said central axis of said first segment and saidsecond flat plane is substantially perpendicular to said central axis ofsaid first segment; (b) a second segment having a central axis, a lowerinterface ring disposed in a third flat plane on a lower portion of saidsecond segment and an upper interface ring disposed in a fourth flatplane on an upper portion of said second segment, wherein said fourthflat plane is disposed at a fourth angle to said central axis of saidsecond segment, said third flat plane is substantially perpendicular tosaid central axis of said second segment and said lower interface ringof said second segment is removably and rotatably coupleable with saidinterface ring of said first segment such that said fourth flat plane isdisposed at an angle from about 0 degrees to an angle that is greaterthan 0 degrees to said first flat plane; and (c) a saucer including aplate having a first flat surface and a second surface, a circularflange having an upper interface ring disposed on an upper portion ofsaid flange and a lower interface ring disposed on a lower portion ofsaid flange, wherein said plate is disposed within said circular flangeand said saucer is configured such that any one of said upper interfacering of said saucer and said lower interface ring of said saucer iscapable of being removably and rotatably coupled to said interface ringof said first segment and any one of said upper interface ring of saidsaucer and said lower interface ring of said saucer is capable of beingremovably and rotatably coupled to said upper interface ring of saidsecond segment.
 11. The base system of claim 10, wherein said secondsurface is selected from a material selected from the group consistingof a flat surface and a convex surface.
 12. The base system of claim 10,wherein said first segment further comprises a receptacle adapted toreceive a spherical object and said receptacle is disposed within saidfirst segment.
 13. The base system of claim 10, wherein said secondsegment further comprises a receptacle adapted to receive a sphericalobject and said receptacle is disposed within said second segment. 14.The base system of claim 10, wherein said first angle ranges from about85 degrees to about 67.5 degrees.
 15. The base system of claim 10,wherein said first angle ranges from about 85 degrees to about 67.5degrees.
 16. The base system of claim 10, wherein said first angleranges from about 0 degree to about 45 degrees.
 17. The base system ofclaim 10, wherein said saucer is constructed from a material selectedfrom the group consisting of foam, rubber, silicone, plastic and anycombinations thereof.
 18. The base system of claim 10, wherein any oneof said lower interface ring of said second segment and said interfacering of said first segment is constructed from a material selected fromthe group consisting of thrust bearing, ball bearing, acetal,polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone, plastic, lubricant,application of paint, and application of dry film.
 19. The base systemof claim 10, further comprising at least one first indicator disposed onsaid first segment and at least one second indicator disposed on saidsecond segment, wherein said at least one second indicator is configuredto be matched with said at least one first indicator to indicate thatsaid first segment is disposed at a pre-determined orientation withrespect to said second segment.
 20. The base system of claim 10, whereinat least one of said first segment and said second segment furthercomprises a plurality of wheels.